How to Use ‘according to’ in an Essay
When you write an essay, you often need to show where your information comes from. The phrase according to is one of the most common ways to do this. It simply means “as stated by” or “as reported by.” You use it to introduce someone else’s idea, opinion, or finding without saying that you agree or disagree. For example: According to the study, regular exercise improves memory. This tells the reader that the study is the source, not you. This guide will show you exactly how to use according to correctly in your essays, emails, and everyday writing.
Quick Answer: How to Use ‘according to’
Use according to to introduce a source of information. The structure is simple: According to + [source] + [statement]. The source can be a person, a book, a report, a website, or any reliable reference. Do not use it for your own opinion. For example:
- Correct: According to the report, sales increased by 20%.
- Incorrect: According to me, the movie was boring.
Remember: according to is neutral. It does not mean you believe the information. It only shows where the information comes from.
Formal vs. Informal Use
According to works well in both formal and informal writing, but the tone changes based on the source you choose.
Formal Writing (Essays, Reports, Academic Papers)
In formal writing, use according to with credible sources such as research studies, experts, official reports, or historical documents. This shows that you have done your research and are backing up your claims.
- According to the World Health Organization, air pollution causes seven million deaths each year.
- According to Smith (2020), the economic recovery will take at least five years.
- According to the company’s annual report, profits have doubled.
Informal Writing (Emails, Conversations, Blog Posts)
In everyday language, you can use according to with less formal sources like a friend, a news article, or a website. It still shows where you got the information.
- According to the weather app, it will rain this afternoon.
- According to my colleague, the meeting has been moved to Friday.
- According to the recipe, you need to bake the cake for 30 minutes.
Comparison Table: ‘according to’ vs. Other Phrases
| Phrase | Meaning | Example | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|---|
| According to | As stated by a source | According to the teacher, the exam is next week. | Neutral reporting of information |
| In the words of | Direct quotation or paraphrase | In the words of the CEO, “We must innovate.” | Emphasizing a specific person’s statement |
| As stated by | Formal attribution | As stated by the guidelines, all forms must be signed. | Official rules or instructions |
| Based on | Using evidence or data | Based on the survey results, customers prefer online shopping. | Showing evidence or reasoning |
| Per | According to (very formal) | Per the contract, payment is due within 30 days. | Business or legal writing |
Natural Examples in Context
Here are examples of according to used in real essay and conversation situations.
In an Academic Essay
Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), global temperatures have risen by 1.1°C since the pre-industrial era. This increase has led to more frequent extreme weather events. Furthermore, according to a 2023 study published in Nature, sea levels could rise by up to one meter by 2100 if emissions continue at current rates.
In a Business Email
Dear Team,
According to the latest sales report, our quarterly revenue has exceeded expectations by 15%. According to the marketing department, this growth is largely due to the new social media campaign. Please review the attached document for details.
In Everyday Conversation
A: Are we still meeting at 3 PM?
B: According to Sarah, the meeting has been moved to 4 PM. Let me double-check with her.
Common Mistakes with ‘according to’
Even advanced learners make these mistakes. Avoid them to sound more natural and accurate.
Mistake 1: Using ‘according to’ for your own opinion
Incorrect: According to me, the best solution is to reduce costs.
Correct: In my opinion, the best solution is to reduce costs.
Why? According to is for external sources. Use “in my opinion” or “I believe” for your own views.
Mistake 2: Using ‘according to’ with a question
Incorrect: According to the report, why did sales drop?
Correct: According to the report, sales dropped because of supply chain issues.
Why? According to introduces a statement, not a question.
Mistake 3: Forgetting the comma
Incorrect: According to the study students learn better in groups.
Correct: According to the study, students learn better in groups.
Why? A comma usually follows the source phrase.
Mistake 4: Using ‘according to’ for facts that everyone knows
Incorrect: According to the dictionary, water is a liquid.
Correct: Water is a liquid.
Why? You do not need a source for obvious facts. Save according to for information that might be questioned or needs support.
Better Alternatives to ‘according to’
Sometimes you want to vary your language. Here are strong alternatives for different situations.
For Formal Essays
- As noted by – As noted by the researcher, the results were inconclusive.
- In the view of – In the view of many economists, inflation will remain high.
- As reported in – As reported in the journal, the treatment was effective.
For Business or Professional Writing
- Per – Per the company policy, all employees must complete the training.
- As indicated by – As indicated by the data, customer satisfaction has improved.
- Based on – Based on the feedback, we will change the design.
For Everyday English
- Someone says/said that – Tom says that the store closes at 9 PM.
- I heard that – I heard that the concert was cancelled.
- From what I understand – From what I understand, the project is on hold.
When to Use ‘according to’ in an Essay
Use according to in these specific situations to strengthen your writing.
1. Introducing a Source for the First Time
When you first mention a study, author, or report, use according to to establish credibility.
According to a 2022 study by Harvard University, remote work increases productivity by 13%.
2. Contrasting Different Sources
Show disagreement or different perspectives between sources.
According to one study, social media improves social connections. However, according to another study, it increases feelings of loneliness.
3. Supporting Your Argument
Use it to back up a claim you have made.
Many people believe that technology is harmful to children. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, however, moderate use of educational apps can be beneficial.
4. Reporting Data or Statistics
When you present numbers, always cite the source.
According to the United Nations, 9.2% of the world population lives in extreme poverty.
Mini Practice: 4 Questions
Test your understanding. Choose the correct option for each sentence.
1. ________ the weather forecast, it will be sunny tomorrow.
a) According to
b) According to me
c) In my opinion
Answer: a) According to
2. ________ the teacher, the homework is due on Friday.
a) According to
b) According to me
c) I think
Answer: a) According to
3. Which sentence is correct?
a) According to the report sales are up.
b) According to the report, sales are up.
c) According to me, sales are up.
Answer: b) According to the report, sales are up.
4. Which sentence is incorrect?
a) According to the doctor, rest is important.
b) According to the news, the storm has passed.
c) According to my friend, why is he late?
Answer: c) According to my friend, why is he late? (Do not use with a question.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use ‘according to’ in the middle of a sentence?
Yes. You can place it in the middle, but it is more common at the beginning. Example: The results, according to the study, were surprising. Note the commas around the phrase.
2. Is ‘according to’ formal or informal?
It is neutral. It works in both formal and informal contexts. However, the source you choose determines the tone. Using “according to the professor” is formal; using “according to my mom” is informal.
3. Can I use ‘according to’ with a website?
Yes, but be careful. Use it with reputable websites. Example: According to the BBC, the election results are expected tonight. Avoid using it with personal blogs or unreliable sources in academic writing.
4. What is the difference between ‘according to’ and ‘based on’?
According to introduces a source that states something. Based on introduces evidence or data that leads to a conclusion. Compare: According to the report, sales increased. (The report says this.) Based on the report, we can assume sales increased. (We are drawing a conclusion from the report.)
Final Tips for Using ‘according to’
To use according to like a confident writer, remember these three rules:
- Always cite a specific source. Do not use vague sources like “according to some people.”
- Do not use it for your own ideas. Save it for external references.
- Use a comma after the source phrase. This makes your sentence clear and grammatically correct.
For more help with essay writing, explore our Essay Starters section. If you have questions about other linking words, check our Linking Words by Purpose guide. To avoid common errors, visit Common Writing Mistakes. For any further questions, please see our FAQ or contact us.
